We’re excited to be partnering with Prostate Cancer UK on a new awareness campaign, rooted in local stories, to encourage more men to check their prostate cancer risk online.

Over the last five years, prostate cancer has been the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in Barnsley. Research also shows us it’s regularly being diagnosed in Stages 3 and 4, requiring more aggressive treatment and resulting in poorer health outcomes for our residents.

Developed alongside Barnsley Hospital, our new ‘It might not be reyt’ campaign has been designed to highlight how important knowing your risk is and how easy it is to check online.

At the heart of the campaign are our videos with Anthony and David, two local men who wanted to put people’s minds at ease about what knowing your risk and getting tested entails.

Anthony was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019 after he noticed a few symptoms his father had. He has since made a full recovery and got back to doing the things he loves, like cycling, and shared his story to help more people think about their risk and find out sooner.

David lives and works in Barnsley and is a champion of our campaign, encouraging men to “not hide behind a stone” by speaking about prostate cancer and getting checked.

You can watch our prostate cancer videos on Barnsley Council’s YouTube channel.

Working with Prostate Cancer UK, we have also created a Barnsley-specific version of their online risk checker. This tool makes knowing your risk simple, taking only 30 seconds and involving answering three simple questions about your age, family history and ethnicity.

Check your risk online today by visiting prostatecanceruk.org/risk-barnsley. After completing their quick questions, the risk checker will give you advice on what you can do next.

Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “We’re committed to helping our communities get the right support to live happier, healthier, longer lives. We want to help more men get the possible treatment to beat prostate cancer, which is why we’re delighted to be partnering with Prostate Cancer UK on this new campaign.

“Checking your risk online is quick, easy and could save your life, as the sooner you know, the quicker you can start getting the treatment you need. Please check your risk online and encourage your friends, family members and colleagues to check too.

“By working together and sharing this message across our communities, we can give prostate cancer the chop in Barnsley. I would like to thank Anthony and David for championing this campaign as well as our health partners, including Prostate Cancer UK, for all their support.”

Early prostate cancer doesn’t typically come with any symptoms. That’s why knowing your risk is so important, as the sooner you know, the easier prostate cancer is to treat.

There are a number of key risk factors which can make you more likely to get prostate cancer, such as your age and ethnicity. Family history is important in understanding your risk, as you are two and a half times more likely to get it if your father or brother have been diagnosed with it.

If you notice any changes in your body, please speak to your GP. You can also learn more about prostate cancer, including key symptoms to look out for, on Prostate Cancer UK’s website.

This project is the latest chapter in our #BeThatFriend campaign, encouraging more conversations about cancer in Barnsley, including signs, symptoms and support.

You can learn more about our cancer prevention work on the Barnsley Council website.